Newborn 1927

Next, Yang Jiefang took a boat to Rizhao. The garrison there consisted of a security brigade and a marine battalion. The battalion commander, Zhu Ming, was someone Gao Huilan had recruited in Qingdao and who had participated in the war against the Japanese. Yang Jiefang no longer concealed his whereabouts; upon arriving in Rizhao, he went directly to the municipal government and met with Mayor Mu Shiping. Then, accompanied by Mu Shiping, he inspected the Rizhao Industrial Zone under construction. Upon receiving this information, Zhu Ming immediately led his troops to provide protection throughout the visit.

Yang Jiefang plans to build an oil refinery, a pesticide factory, and a rubber products factory in Rizhao. In other words, this area will be developed into a chemical industrial zone. The plan was made years ago. In this era, no matter where industrial construction takes place, it always starts with establishing roads, water, and electricity infrastructure—a truly painful and frustrating process. Jiang Tingxuan sent a telegram from the United States, saying that he has already ordered oil refining equipment and is recruiting technical personnel in the field, who are expected to arrive in China in May.

Seeing security guards with guns on guard at the construction site, Yang Jiefang asked, "Who are these people working here?" Mu Shiping replied, "Besides this industrial zone, there's also a railway to be built. It's the busy farming season now, and in order not to delay the farming, we can't spare too many able-bodied men from the countryside to work. Instead, we're recruiting laborers from the countryside to build the railway. Most of the people working here are soldiers under Zhang Zongchang, and some are former prisoners of war from the 37th Army."

Yang Jiefang said, “Go tell these prisoners that this is what I said. As long as this industrial park is completed, they will no longer be labor camp prisoners, but will become industrial workers here, and will be allowed to settle down here. This is a good place! It will definitely become a beautiful port city in the future. This is a rare opportunity. The sooner it is completed, the sooner they will regain their freedom.”

Mu Shiping said happily, "Good, I'll have someone pass on the young commander's words right away." These prisoners have always had very low initiative in their work, which has slowed down the construction progress. Giving them something to look forward to might have unexpected results.

Yang Jiefang spent two days in Rizhao, having several long talks with Mu Shiping. They developed a detailed plan for Rizhao's future development. He then flew back to Jinan from the Rizhao Air Force Airport, again piloted by Hou Fei. Yang Jiefang wasn't in a hurry, so he asked Hou Fei to fly the plane lower, circling around before returning. Looking down through the plane window, he saw a lush green landscape. Qingming Festival had passed, and Guyu was approaching—the time when winter wheat was sprouting and heading. Shandong had a good harvest this year; the wheat hadn't suffered from drought, and with the extensive use of fertilizer, it might be another bumper year. Yang Jiefang's expectations weren't high; a yield of 300 jin per mu would be good enough.

After the plane landed at Jinan Air Force Base, Gao Huilan, though less nauseous, still felt exhausted, so she was told to go home and rest. Yang Jiefang returned to his office at the provincial government. His office director, Master Kong, followed him in. Yang Jiefang casually asked, "Did anything important come up while I was away?" Master Kong replied, "It was all routine business, which I've already handled. However, a distinguished guest has arrived and requires your personal audience. When would be a suitable time?" Yang Jiefang asked curiously, "A distinguished guest? What distinguished guest?" Master Kong replied, "It's Yang Yongtai, a staff member of Commander-in-Chief Chiang Kai-shek. He's been here for three days, waiting to see you. During that time, he went to the Army Academy, hoping to meet General Ye Ting, but Ye Ting refused."

Yang Jiefang smiled, knowing a little about Yang Yongtai, and said, "Arrange for him to see me tomorrow. Have the Military Intelligence Department bring me his relevant files." Master Kong replied, "I've already brought them; they're right here." He handed over a file folder. Yang Jiefang told him to leave first, opened the folder, and began to carefully read the documents inside.

By this time, Chiang Kai-shek's three armies had already entered Wuhan, and the Guangxi clique troops stationed along the Pinghan Railway had defected en masse. Feng Yuxiang had deployed troops south hoping to capitalize on the situation, but the Guangxi clique's rapid defeat left him in a difficult and awkward position. The Guangxi clique complained about Feng Yuxiang's delayed intervention, while Chiang Kai-shek was very displeased with his unauthorized southward deployment. Feng Yuxiang was caught in the middle and deeply frustrated. With the Guangxi clique on the verge of collapse, Chiang Kai-shek began to formulate a plan of action against Feng.

Chiang Kai-shek now likely needs Yang Jiefang's assistance to deal with Feng Yuxiang. The return of Ye Ting, a renowned general of the Northern Expedition, to Shandong is a significant boost to Yang Jiefang's power. Yang Jiefang had a premonition that Chiang would send someone to win him over, but he hadn't expected it to be Yang Yongtai. Yang Yongtai had betrayed Sun Yat-sen in Guangzhou, and Ye Ting held him in low regard. During Chiang's period of retirement, Yang Yongtai attempted to join the Guangxi clique, but was rejected because of his past betrayal. After Chiang's return to power, Yang Yongtai, through his friend Xiong Shihui, became Chiang's advisor. It's said that Chiang now considers him his top strategist and frequently consults him.

The following day, Yang Jiefang met with Yang Yongtai in the provincial government office. Upon meeting, Yang Yongtai exclaimed, "I've heard the young commander is only eighteen! Such a young hero! Only Huo Qubing, the famous general of ancient times, can compare!" Yang Jiefang shook his head, saying, "He can't compare! Huo Qubing had the trust and favor of the brilliant and ambitious Emperor Wu of Han. At such a young age, he was able to expand his territory and achieve great feats. Look at me, I've only encountered generals who are either treacherous or traitors, and they all disregard me. I can only hide in a remote mountain village and act as a king. Can you understand the feeling of not having met a wise ruler, Mr. Yang?" These words struck a chord with Yang Yongtai. After leaving Sun Yat-sen, he went north to join the Beiyang government, where he enjoyed a period of glory, only to lose power again due to factional infighting. He was forced to live in seclusion in Shanghai, often lamenting his lack of a wise ruler—how tragic!

Yang Yongtai said excitedly, "Young Commander, I've come to guide you to a wise ruler." Yang Jiefang asked curiously, "What do you mean?" Yang Yongtai said, "Now that the country is unified, Commander-in-Chief Chiang Kai-shek holds military and political power. If you don't serve him soon, when will you?" Yang Jiefang was unconvinced and said, "But he doesn't value me. I once issued a declaration that I didn't want to fight the Northern Expeditionary Army, but he not only ignored it but also sent troops to attack me. In Jinan, when I was fighting the Japanese to the death, he didn't show the slightest intention to protect me. Is this the wise ruler you speak of?" Yang Yongtai said, "Then you've misunderstood the Commander-in-Chief. His protection of you wasn't superficial. In the later negotiations with the Japanese government, he mentioned you many times, showing the utmost protection. In the end, he was willing to compromise and concede to ensure the safety of Shandong and you."

Yang Jiefang, expressionless, said, "I understand what you mean. You've come to Shandong to act as an intermediary for Commander-in-Chief Chiang. I don't like beating around the bush. Whether he's a wise ruler or not is another matter, but I've heard that Commander-in-Chief Chiang has promised many Guangxi clique generals high-ranking positions and generous salaries. I wonder what his plans are for me?" Yang Yongtai said, "I have a few words to say to the young commander. Is the young commander interested in hearing them?" Yang Jiefang replied, "Please speak freely, sir!" Yang Yongtai said, "As the saying goes, 'The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be felled by the wind.' The young commander is young and already holds military and political power over a province. If he were to climb any higher, in the long run, it wouldn't be good for him!"

Yang Jiefang pressed further, "Then what should I do?" Yang Yongtai replied, "For the young commander, the best course of action is to retire gracefully and bide his time. The second best is to maintain the status quo and conceal your abilities. The worst course of action is to be ignorant of when to advance and when to retreat, always thinking about climbing the ranks." Yang Jiefang laughed, "Since ancient times, among the best, second best, and worst strategies, the best is the one to choose. Mr. Yang, do you want me to merely hold onto my existing territory and army?" Yang Yongtai said, "At the young commander's age, no one can match you."

Yang Jiefang said, "Judging from the current domestic situation, it will be another fierce battle! Have you considered this, sir? If someone covets my territory, my current army size is insufficient to defend it." Yang Yongtai said, "Therefore, the young commander should serve under the Commander-in-Chief as soon as possible. With the Commander-in-Chief backing you up, you can rest easy."

Yang Jiefang nodded and said, "Very well. Then please convey to the Commander-in-Chief that I am willing to obey the Central Committee. However, my troops are few and far between, and I will be powerless in the event of war." This was clearly not what Yang Yongtai wanted, and he added, "Young Commander, since you are going to serve a wise ruler, you should show your abilities!" Yang Jiefang replied, "As you just said, I should not be too conspicuous. Let others have the opportunity to shine!"

Yang Yongtai changed the subject, saying, "I heard that when you first joined the outlaws, you paid a pledge of allegiance, which is why you've achieved what you have today. Being too flashy isn't good, but if you don't show any ambition at all, it won't be good for your future development!" Yang Jiefang nodded, "In that case, what you say makes sense. So how should I behave appropriately?" Yang Yongtai replied, "You don't need to overdo it. Just send a strong force south to keep an eye on Sun Liangcheng's troops. Sun Liangcheng has abandoned his post and is now leading his troops to occupy Shangqiu. His purpose is self-evident: he's after Xuzhou. If he makes any further moves, please have your troops cut off his retreat!"

Yang Jiefang replied, "That's fine. Any other requests?" Yang Yongtai said, "That's all for now. However, I must remind you, young commander, whether you'll be given important responsibilities in the future depends on your own performance!" Yang Jiefang nodded and said, "It's a matter of reciprocity; I can't be the only one showing my appreciation, can I? Shouldn't I also give some credit to the Commander-in-Chief? So that my subordinates can work with peace of mind!" Yang Yongtai agreed, "Of course, what would you like, young commander?"

Yang Jiefang said, “I am now in charge of Shandong and cannot tolerate any vacancy in the province. However, Weihaiwei is still in British hands, and there is no set date for its return. I have sent Mr. Gu Weijun to negotiate with the British. However, he lacks a proper title and cannot represent the National Government in diplomatic negotiations. Could you grant him authorization so that he can represent the National Government in negotiating with the British regarding the return of Weihaiwei?”

The Nationalist government's high command was naturally aware of Gu Weijun's trip to negotiate with the British to reclaim Weihaiwei, and they were happy to see it happen. Their plan was: if you can reach an agreement, they will take over; if you can't, they won't approve. Yang Yongtai thought for a moment and replied, "This is a good thing, I will do my best to fight for it for you." He still didn't say it completely.

Just as Yang Jiefang thought the conversation was about to end, Yang Yongtai added, "General Ye Ting was once a capable lieutenant of Dr. Sun Yat-sen. The Commander-in-Chief values ​​him highly and intends to invite him to go south and command an army independently. However, he was invited back to China by the Junior Commander, so we still need the Junior Commander to put in a few words of persuasion!"

Yang Jiefang laughed and said, "If Brother Xiyi were to take command of the army, there would be no need to march south. As long as the Commander-in-Chief issues an appointment, I am willing to hand over my troops to Brother Xiyi's command." Yang Yongtai exclaimed happily, "That's wonderful! It's good that General Ye Ting is willing to accept the Commander-in-Chief's appointment!" Yang Jiefang added, "Brother Xiyi once said that he wants to revitalize the Fourth Army's prestige. My division is clearly not enough for him to command." Yang Yongtai understood and replied, "I will report this matter to the Commander-in-Chief." Thus, the two concluded their discussion for the day.

Although the Guangxi clique armies in Hubei and Hunan have disintegrated, those in Guangdong and Guangxi still exist. Before the end of the Jiang-Guangxi war, Jiang and Feng will not engage in combat so quickly, and even if they do, it will be confined to Henan and will not affect Shandong. However, it will certainly have an impact on the Longhai Railway under construction.

After seeing Yang Yongtai off, Yang Jiefang immediately sent a telegram to Liu Xijiu, inquiring about the state of supplies there. How long could the supplies last if the Longhai Railway were to be disrupted? Liu Xijiu quickly replied that the situation was far from ideal. Construction materials were plentiful, but grain reserves were completely depleted.

Since last autumn, the entire Guanzhong Plain has been without rain; some seasonal rivers have dried up, and many wells have run dry. The Guanzhong Plain is now a barren wasteland, teeming with famine. Song Zheyuan's 28th Division was transferred to Henan by Feng Yuxiang, preparing to march south to join the war. Other units of the Northwest Army were also transferred away from the Guanzhong Plain, meaning the Guanzhong Plain was abandoned. What wouldn't the starving locals do to fight for a bite to eat?

The cooperative's grain transport teams were frequently robbed. Gao Yao recruited able-bodied men from the local area to organize a grain protection team, but this still couldn't stop the starving people from looting. In the end, Gao Yao had no choice but to temporarily relocate all the laborers' families, resettle them in one place, and provide them with centralized food supplies.

Guan Xiangying and others couldn't bear to see the people of Guanzhong starve, so they diverted some of the grain allocated for the project to disaster relief in various places. Therefore, the road construction committee had no surplus grain. Once the Longhai Railway's transport was disrupted, they would immediately run out of food.

Yang Jiefang felt a headache coming on; he had misjudged the situation again. He had initially thought it was just a minor drought, with rain expected after spring. He thought he could make preparations in Shaanxi in advance, reaping some benefits to lay the foundation for the future. He never imagined it would be a once-in-a-century drought. The various factions within the Nationalist government were too busy with internal strife to pay any attention to this.

Others might ignore it, but Yang Jiefang couldn't bear to leave the people of Guanzhong in despair. He immediately convened a meeting of all provincial government departments in the conference room. Yang Jiefang first reported on the disaster situation in Shaanxi, and then said, "The drought is merciless, but people are compassionate. I can't bear to see millions of people in Guanzhong go hungry. I want to do everything in our province's power to help Shaanxi. Let's all think of a solution!" From his tone, everyone knew that this was a matter that brooked no argument.